Vegetables in Hokkaido.

Hokkaido is well-known as a prefecture filled with nature as well as delicious food! In addition to delicious cuisine, Hokkaido is home to a variety of vegetables grown here such as Beetroots, Potatoes, Cabbages, and Carrots. These vegetables when made together can be made into a delicious and healthy soup! For the growing cold weather in Hokkaido, this soup is bound to make you feel warm as well as try a new and unique flavor thanks to the variety of vegetables available in Hokkaido!

Vegetable #1: Beetroot/ Beets

Beetroots, also known as beets in other countries, are known for their bright red, maroon color and its earthy yet sweet taste. They are mainly grown within the fall and winter period in Hokkaido, and/or in climate similar to Hokkaido: having four seasons. In many local dishes in , as well as tasty additions to enhance the flavor in salads and soups! Beetroots are also known to be very good for your health, providing one with better stamina as well as help lower blood pressure! While beetroots might be bitter on their own, when cooked or boiled in different dishes, beetroots add a sweet and earthy flavor to your cooking!

Beetroots in Hokkaido mainly come in a maroon color, and are found mostly in specialized food markets, department stores, or souvenir shops. While beetroots can be grown in other prefectures in Northern Japan, Hokkaido beetroots are generally ranked best and has highest sales during fall! Beetroots are sold individually in bags such as the ones seen above. Hokkaido is a great place to try this unique and delicious vegetable!

Vegetable #2: Potatoes

One of the vegetables that Hokkaido is known for the most is potatoes! This does not simply include regular potatoes but includes sweet potatoes, purple potatoes and more! Potatoes are grown all over the prefecture, and are sold all year round in most grocery stores as well as department stores. Hokkaido’s potatoes vary in size, color, and even taste! Potatoes here are rich in flavor when cooked or boiled, and can be used in various dishes and even desserts! What better way to get potassium and calcium than from these delicious Hokkaido grown potatoes!

Here are some sweet potatoes on sale, its sweet taste is popular with locals, and used in various dishes including fried sweet potato, sweet potato chips, as well as sweet potato cake! Potato is a widely used and sold vegetable here in Hokkaido. Look at all the varieties of locally grown potatoes here in an average supermarket!

Vegetable #3: Cabbage

Cabbages, like potatoes are a widely sold and grown vegetable here in Hokkaido! Cabbages here also come in a variety of sizes and colors! Cabbages can be eaten raw, when washed, with some olive oil; or they are best served when boiled or cooked in different dishes and recipes! Cabbages are not only delicious, but they are a great source of Vitamin C and have many other health benefits when eaten. Look at the variety of sizes and colors of these cabbages here on sale in Hokkaido! They look so delicious to eat!

Currently, throughout various markets this season you can spot these large 10kg cabbages that are commonly on sale ranging from various parts of Hokkaido such as Hakodate! Purple cabbages are also commonly found in various stores and shops, including department stores.

Vegetable #4: Carrots

Another popular and delicious vegetable that is commonly sold in Hokkaido are carrots! Carrots in Hokkaido are relatively large and are very sweet in taste, hence why carrots here are used in cooking and desserts sold all over Hokkaido! Carrots have great health benefits such as reducing cholesterol levels and boosting your immune system! Carrots here are often sold and cooked by locals as well as people from all over the world. However, the carrots here retain that extra juicy quality and tastes very sweet. Its sweet flavor blends smoothly in many vegetable dishes as well as heavier dishes such as ever-so popular Sapporo soup curry!

Carrots here in Hokkaido are not only delicious and sweet, but they are often sold at very affordable prices, especially in a bundle of three or two carrots in one bag!

Combining these Hokkaido Vegetables to make Beet Soup! As winter is approaching Hokkaido, and the days get shorter and colder, nothing beats a delicious cup of fresh, warm soup! With the above vegetables in mind, you can use these ingredients as well as a view extra supplies to make a delicious and healthy beetroot soup! This beetroot soup is also known as beet soup or borsch in some countries. This recipe can be used as a foundation and can be adjusted and made to your liking based on the vegetables and taste you like the most! Let’s get cooking! Here is what you need to make this healthy and delectable soup right from your kitchen!

Vegetables and Supplies Needed:

Beetroot (1)
Cabbage (1/2)
Potatoes (4-5)
Carrot (1)
Cooking Salt
Garlic Paste
Parsley
Sour Cream (Optional)

Steps to make Beetroot Soup:

Start boiling water and add salt immediately.
While water is boiling, peel and cut the potatoes.
When the water boils, turn down the heat and add in potatoes.
After boiled potatoes for 5~10 minutes, start cutting and cabbage into large slices, and wash in cold water for 1~2 minutes.
Add cabbage into pot slowly and carefully
Add little salt to pot and stir the soup for 2 minutes
After 15 minutes of cooking, start shredding the peeling carrot and beetroot

Tip: Shredders can be bought in any 100-yen shop or Daiso store, as well as local grocery stores.

Gently pour the beetroot and carrot mixture together into the pot and gently stir, and let the soup sit for 15~20 minutes.
When potatoes and cabbages softens, turn off heat, add parsley, salt, and garlic paste for taste.
Add sour cream for extra richness.